She thinks this a great hardship.

by Lisa Y. Henderson

To the worshipful Justices of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of Brunswick County

The Petition of Temperance Chavers humbly sheweth that she has raised two Boys Billy and Elick from their birth to the present time with much difficulty trouble & expence and that just as they are Beginning to remunerate her by plowing & other services She is threatened with their being bound out which She thinks a Great hardship but if the law of the State required She humbly beseeches that they may be bound to Geni: Smith in whose justice to raise them properly and have them taught useful Trades She can Confide – Your worships granting this will be an alleviation to her Distress & She as in duty bound will ever pray &ca:  Temperance X Chavers    Jan: 27th: 1810

Witness Ben. B. Smith

Apprentice Bonds and Records, Brunswick County Records, North Carolina State Archives.